Big Island Climbing and its nonprofit partner, Adventure Centers Hawaii, are working to uplift youth in the community through “bouldering” — a form of free climbing on artificial rock walls.
Donna Nichols, chair of Adventure Centers Hawaii, helped to establish the nonprofit as a way to empower young people by improving their mental and physical wellness by taking part in bouldering activities.
“Bouldering is a physical and challenging experience that can be a big benefit to young people,” Nichols said. “In our first year, we’ve been able to give free climbing to 500 people, and we’re very happy about that.”
Project Hawaii, a nonprofit organization supporting the needs of children experiencing homelessness, in July brought its Junior Leader and Teen Mentoring programs to Big Island Climbing to experience bouldering.
“I contacted Donna to see if this would be possible, and she made it happen so quickly, while also finding a way to supply lunch,” said Magin Patrick, co-founder of Project Hawaii. “The kids have been really excited and have bonded, which is so important for summer camp. This is the first time many of them have been able to rock climb, and they seem to love it.”
Adventure Centers was able to use some funds to make the experience completely free for Project Hawaii.
In its first year, Adventure Centers received a grant that has been used for free memberships to Big Island Climbing for underprivileged children.
Adventure Centers and Big Island Climbing also are working to provide climbing opportunities to a wider audience by offering programs for island schools.
“We want to give all students the opportunity to discover bouldering and hopefully benefit from the experience and supportive environment,” Nichols said. “We are committed to the mission and are seeking further support to make it a reality.”
The Hilo business, which is located at 126 Keawe St., recently closed for a week for renovations to some of its rock climbing walls, which include fresh paint, fresh climbing holds, new landing mats and over 50 new routes created by three route setters from Volcanic Rock Gym on Oahu.
“The new wall came out great, and we are very excited about the new routes and the enhancements made by these talented route setters,” said Bradley Leighton, founder of Big Island Climbing. “We will continue to bring in different route setters from across the state and country as much as possible for changing, dynamic climbing experiences.”
Bouldering was always a hobby for Leighton, but after moving to the Big Island more than four years ago, he realized there wasn’t a climbing gym on the island.
“Kids don’t have much they can do, especially during the rainy season, so I figured this was a need for our island” Leighton said. “Opening a climbing gym was something I desired for the community, and it was the best way I could use my time.”
Since establishing in 2020, Big Island Climbing has hosted about 7,000 climbers and has a membership of about 50 to 60 people.
The gym currently is offering a Keiki Kamp between noon and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Aug. 23. The program is $5 per hour for members, and $10 per hour for nonmembers. Keiki can be dropped off and picked up anytime within the time frame.
All programs available for youth, nonprofit groups and local schools can be found at adventurecentershawaii.org. For more information on Big Island Climbing, visit bigislandclimbing.com.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
